Marek Cezary Chawarski PhD

Research Interests

Current Projects

I am currently the principal investigator on two collaborative international studies:

A study entitled "Behavioral
Drug and HIV Risk Reduction Counseling with MMT in China" will provide critical data
regarding the efficacy for reducing drug-and sex-related HIV transmission risk
behaviors, as well as improving MMT outcomes and patient functioning of two
transportable counseling models, behavioral drug and HIV risk reduction
counseling (BDRC) and educational counseling (EC) as compared with the current
standard of care model in MMT in China. Supported by NIDA/NIH grant R01 DA026797.

A study entitled "Naltrexone and Behavioral Drug and HIV Risk
Reduction Counseling in Russia" will
examine the effects of combining behavioral therapy with naltrexone
pharmacotherapy for the treatment of opiate dependence and reduction of HIV
risks in opiate dependent individuals in St.
Petersburg, Russia. Supported by NIDA/NIH grant R01 DA 27405.

Research Summary

My research aims to improve efficacy,
accessibility, and availability of addiction treatments and HIV risk reduction
and prevention interventions in diverse settings and populations. My recent
work focuses on the development of behavioral counseling programs that target
high-risk individuals; addressing their limited understanding of addiction problems
and treatment process, increasing their
treatment engagement, helping them to transfer
treatment-learned skills into real-life situations, and reducing their risks of HIV and other infectious diseases.

Extensive Research Description

My primary research interest is in developing novel treatment interventions for patients with substance abuse disorders, in particular opiate-dependent individuals. I am involved in multiple international research efforts to improve substance abuse treatments, with emphasis on culturally appropriate evidence-based treatments. My teaching and educational efforts are focused on training therapists, drug counselors, and other medical and non-medical personnel in providing behaviorally oriented psychosocial interventions for patients receiving agonist maintenance treatments, or other forms of pharmacological and drug-free treatments for opiate dependence.